A little drizzle didn't dampen spirits Sunday in Azilda, where a couple of hundred people came out to celebrate half a century of service from Norm Byrnes and his Byrnes Gas Station & Gulf Service.
There was live music, free barbecue and speeches aplenty as the community celebrated a rarity – an independently owned gas and service station that is still thriving.
"We're a family," Byrnes said, when asked why so many people came out to celebrate. "The big companies can't dictate to us because we're private. We can set our own prices."
Working on cars is in his family's blood, he said, with all of his brothers mechanics or mechanically inclined. He started working at the station when he was 17 when it was owned by his uncle.
"My uncle ran it since 1956," Byrnes said.
He took ownership in 1966, following in his father's footsteps.
"My father owned a little shop. There were six brothers and we're all mechanically inclined. It's a family thing, you know?"
People at the event said it was Norm and the reputation that he has built that has made the business a success. Byrnes said he considers customers members of his extended family.
"Well, if I sell you a vehicle, I want that vehicle to be as safe as if it was my child or teenager driving it,” he said. “I want it safe and I want it good.
"I spend more money on the cars sometimes than maybe I should, but I'd rather it was a good car for people for a long time rather than having people come back in a month's time because there was something wrong. It's integrity."
Several local politicians were on hand, including Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier, a well know car buff himself.
"I know it's been 50 years, but the worst of it is I remember it as if it was yesterday," Montpellier said, drawing a laugh from the crowd. "Congratulations to the whole family and the community. It's been a great 50 years."
Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas said many local service stations have been taken over in recent years by chain stations, but not Byrnes.
"We're all here today because they are different from everybody else,” Gélinas said. “First, you get value for your money. Second, you know that you're dealing with honest people. And third, he is grounded in his community, and his community thanks him back for that."
Gelinas, a New Democrat known for wearing the orange colours of her party, had a good laugh when Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, a Liberal, donned an official bright orange Byrnes T-shirt.
“I like the orange shirt," Serré quipped.
He also praised the crowd for not only showing up Sunday, but for supporting Byrnes for the last half century.
"The hard work and service that Norm and his family has done over the 50 years is very important and very much appreciated,” he said. “Just look at everyone here, Norm. They're all here for you.
"You are keeping Norm in business. Keep supporting small businesses, keep supporting local businesses."
In addition to the business anniversary, Byrnes is also celebrating 50 years of marriage next month with his wife, Elaine.
"It went by like a dream," he said. "It doesn't feel like 50 years. It just tells you how old I am."
How long will he keep going?
"That's up to the Lord," Byrnes said, as a stream of well-wishers came by with hugs and kind words.
